Hartlepool United made to pay for 'switching off' in 2-1 defeat at Blackpool

Roy Kelly

Dave Jones admitted Hartlepool United were made to pay for "switching off" after being sunk by a lucky late Kyle Vassell winner at Blomfield Road.

Pools made the perfect start when Lewis Alessandra produced a smart turn and finish in the 18th minute for his ninth goal of the season.

Unfortunately, the advantage lasted only three minutes with in-form Bright Osayi-Samuel equalising for the play-off contenders.

Both sides had chances for the winner with the Tangerines have a slice of fortune in the 81st-minute when Vassell's lob towards the far post dropped into the net after Joe Fryer had saved his initial shot

“We played well but switched off for that second goal and you can’t do that," said Jones.

"It’s a trait we have at the moment and we try to need to take that out of our game.

"I thought we deserved something from the game today, we dominated for long spells.

"We looked decent on the all and should have had a goal or two.

"Blackpool had the capability to change their side from the bench, they have people to change a game , we aren’t at the stage of our development.

“It’s hard to swallow, this must be the fifth or sixth time I’ve said that since I've been here.

"We have to learn quickly and, to be fair, the players are learning, but that was a hard lesson today."

Pools had opportunities at 1-1 with home keeper Dean Lyness making vital saves from Lewis Hawkins, Alessandra and Nathan Thomas while Brad Walker had a header from a corner cleared off the line.

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“We broke well and played really good stuff," added Jones.“With a bit more luck or care we should have been the one who scored the second goal."